China

This vibrant summer experience through China's fascinating past and brave future begins in Beijing, where we visit Tiananmen Square, Mao's resting place, the Forbidden City and work with a hutong charity for locals with learning disabilities. Next, we enjoy a two-day supported trek on the 2000-year-old Great Wall of China.

We travel to Xi'an and visit the extraordinary Terracotta Warriors where thousands of statues face east in battle formation, protecting the emperor's tomb. Our next stop is Chengdu, home of the Giant Panda, the world's largest stone Buddha and plenty of spicy Sichuan cuisine!

Emei Shan's serene subtropical rainforest is home to a remote Buddhist retreat where we enjoy a unique cultural experience amidst a natural mountain setting. Dali, in southwest China, is a backpacker's oasis and our kick-off point for trekking Tiger Leaping Gorge. Yangshuo on the Li River is an adventure sports mecca where we can enjoy caving, rock climbing, Tai Chi, biking and cooking classes.

Our last stop is Hong Kong, a captivating and energetic international city. A visit to Victoria Peak provides fabulous views over Victoria Harbor and the neon jungle of Kowloon glows in the distance as we enjoy our final night together.

Days 1-3:
Most AAVE travelers will meet at a California airport to fly together non-stop to China. You will be met upon arrival at the airport by your experienced AAVE expedition leaders. After a complete gear check to assure that you are prepared for the diverse, demanding and remote regions we explore, we load up and head off! During orientation we get to know each other and learn what to expect in the days ahead. Our daily routine, jobs and safety rules are explained, and the process of growing together as a group begins. Beijing is one of the world's great cities, China's capital and proud home to the 2008 summer Olympics. We start out with a guided tour of the Forbidden City and expansive Tiananmen Square. Next, we hire rickshaws for an up close guided tour through the back street hutongs. A performance by Huiling, an AAVE supported local charity for Chinese with learning disabilities, is a valued glimpse into the social network of China. Dinner is Peking Duck! Next is our two day walk on the Great Wall of China!! We travel from from Gubeikou to Jinshanling and experience sunrise as we walk from Jinshanling to Simatai, a signature AAVE China outdoor experience and a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Days 4-5:
We take an overnight train to Xi'an, which is a beautiful and vibrant city. The Great Mosque is a wonderfully serene place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and splurging in the evening Muslim Quarter food markets is a must! The Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses are the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century. It is a sight not to be missed by any visitor to China. Life size figures of warriors and horses arranged in battle formations are the star features at the museum. They are replicas of what the imperial guard looked like in those days of pomp and vigor. The museum covers an area of 16,300 square meters. Altogether over 7,000 pottery soldiers, horses, chariots, and even weapons have been unearthed from these pits. Most of them have been restored to their former grandeur.

Days 6-7:
Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan Province. The city's traditional flavor and history are well preserved in the lively markets, spicy Sichuan cuisine and teahouses. It is also the site of the Giant Panda Breeding Center. We spend a morning observing these magnificent, gentle creatures up close and take time to learn about the efforts being made to help this endangered species.

Days 8-10:
We arrive in Leshan, home to the world's largest outdoor seated Buddha, "Da fo." The Buddha is carved into a cliff face at the confluence of two rivers and is 71 meters tall! Mount Emei, which means Sea of Clouds, rises 3,099 meters above sea level, and is a three hour train ride from Chengdu. Mount Emei is one of the four sacred Buddhist mountains in China. Samantbhadra, God of Universal Benevolence and disciple of Sakyamuni, was said to have lectured here. We hike and stay in historic Buddhist temples 5-6 hours apart from Devotion to the Country Temple (Baoguosi) to the Ten-Thousand-Year Temple (Wanniansi) through amazingly beautiful rainforest parkland where monkeys often approach visitors to beg for food.

Days 11-15:
After an overnight train journey we arrive in Dali, home to many minority groups who live in traditional farming villages. It is an extraordinary town with gated city walls, bustling old streets and a lakeside setting. The local Bai people can be seen in traditional dress as they come to market for the day. Historically, Dali was an important gateway of cultural exchange and trading in the 16th century, with SE Asian countries as well as being an important pass of the ancient "Silk route of the South." We visit the Yi minority village for a half day working in the fields, share lunch and in the afternoon teach kids English or learn Chinese in the local school. We will contribute supplies that the school needs for the next school year. Tiger Leaping Gorge: About 100 kilometers (62 miles) northwest of Lijiang Old Town is Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiao Gorge), which is believed to be the deepest gorge in the world. From the top of the gorge you look down the steeply angled (70-90 degrees) mountain sides. An ancient legend says that a tiger used a rock as its stepping stone to leap across from one side of the Jingsha River gorge to the other, which is how the gorge got its name. We spend two nights walking from one spectacular guest house to another enjoying awe inspiring views and welcoming hospitality. Cooking lessons are featured each night.

Days 16-20:
Next, we fly to Guilin and transfer to Yangshou on the Li River in Southern China's Guangxi Province. This is a special place to savor. A city of about 20,000 (small by Chinese standards) surrounded by Karst limestone mountains that resemble dragon's teeth. This destination still manages to retain a semblance of its undiscovered feeling. Popular with travelers of all sorts: rock climbers, cave explorers, bikers, writers, artists, and people looking for a comfortable place to kick back and relax. West Street is filled with both Chinese and western style stores, cafes and is a paradise for foreign visitors. Take a break around the outdoor tables, for a cup of coffee, watching the world go by! Ê While in Yangshou we take a four hour bike tour with "Farmer Tang" and share lunch in his home. Choose a Tai Chi lesson or rock climbing and take advantage of some of the best shopping in China. At night the world famous Yanshuo Impressions Light and Music show with hundreds of performers will impress you with its sophistication and splendor. Also, a half day cooking school class is scheduled to learn how to prepare real Chinese cooking. Once we arrive in Hong Kong you will have a day to enjoy and explore this non-stop, bustling, electric city. We enjoy our final night together and prepare for the end of our China adventure with a final dinner feast to celebrate.

Day 21:
Head to the airport, hug goodbye to your new friends and start wondering where AAVE will take you next year...